Electrical Design Engineer Recruitment

Electrical design engineers design electrical systems, control panels, schematics, and wiring layouts for industrial machinery, automation systems, and infrastructure. Demand is sustained across automation and machine building, power and energy, rail, and building services. We place electrical design engineers across the UK, from HNC-qualified practitioners to IEng and IET-registered senior engineers, in both permanent and contract positions.

What the role involves

Producing electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN Pro Panel, working to client-specific drawing standards and maintaining controlled revision histories through each design phase
Designing control systems to IEC 60204, BS7671, and ISO 13849 safety standards
Working alongside mechanical and software teams on PLC and HMI integration within automated systems
Producing cable schedules, I/O lists, and full technical documentation packages for manufacture and installation, including bill of materials, panel GA drawings, and as-built records following site modifications
Supporting factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) with clients and commissioning teams
Ensuring all designs comply with CE marking and UKCA requirements for machinery placed on the UK and EU markets

Who employers are looking for

A BEng in Electrical or Electronic Engineering is the standard graduate entry route, though HNC or HND qualified candidates with strong practical experience are regularly placed at junior and mid-level positions. Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN is essential for the majority of roles. EPLAN-experienced engineers command a premium, and candidates who can work across both platforms are particularly sought after.

Knowledge of IEC 60204, BS7671 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, and ISO 13849 functional safety standards is expected at mid-career level. IET membership and progress towards EngTech or IEng registration adds weight to senior applications. PLC and HMI experience across Siemens, Allen Bradley, or Mitsubishi platforms is increasingly expected at mid-senior level as electrical design and controls functions converge in many businesses.

Defence and aerospace electrical design roles frequently require or lead to security clearance. EPLAN users with panel build or harness design experience have strong cross-sector mobility.

At graduate and junior level, employers expect proficiency in the core design tool and an understanding of basic circuit protection, cable sizing, and earthing principles. Mid-career candidates need to demonstrate they can own a design package independently: taking a client brief through to a fully checked, issue-for-construction drawing set without constant supervision. Senior electrical design engineers are differentiated by their ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, mentor junior designers, and make authoritative decisions on design approach when standards are ambiguous or competing requirements create conflicts.

Rail and traction power electrical design is a specialist sub-market within electrical design engineering. RSSB standards, Approved Code of Practice (ACoP), and detailed knowledge of traction return current management are specific requirements that candidates do not develop outside the sector. Employers in rail typically grow these engineers internally or recruit from other rail businesses, making rail electrical design one of the less transferable specialisms. For candidates in the rail sector, this barrier to entry from other industries strengthens their negotiating position at salary review.

Salary benchmarks

Graduate / entry-level £27,000 - £33,000

Mid-career (3 - 8 years) £36,000 - £50,000

Senior / management £52,000 - £65,000+

EPLAN-experienced engineers command a premium over AutoCAD-only candidates. Defence and aerospace electrical design roles can reach £70,000+ for experienced candidates.

Industries that hire Electrical Design Engineers

Industrial automation and machine building: control panel design and schematic production for bespoke machinery, often to tight delivery timescales; engineers here work closely with panel builders and must design for assembly efficiency as well as technical correctness
Power and energy: switchgear, substation, and data centre electrical systems design, typically to IEC and BS standards; the data centre sector is a particularly active sub-market for electrical design engineers as UK hyperscale and co-location facility investment grows
Defence and aerospace: electrical system design for platforms and vehicles, frequently requiring security clearance and DEF STAN compliance
Building services: LV and HV systems design for commercial and industrial premises, coordinating with M&E consultancies and main contractors
Rail and transport: traction power and control system design for rolling stock, signalling, and infrastructure projects

Related roles

Mechanical Design Engineer: the mechanical counterpart, often working on the same machine or system
Controls Engineer: extends into PLC programming and SCADA, frequently the next step for experienced electrical design engineers
Automation Engineer: broader automation system role combining electrical design with robotics and system integration
Systems Engineer: coordinates across disciplines on complex programmes, typically in defence, aerospace, or rail

Where we place Electrical Design Engineer professionals

We place electrical design engineer professionals across the UK. Browse by location or register your CV for roles that match your experience.

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